Unemployment benefits in the State of Michigan have been expanded under an Executive Order that is now in effect. These benefits now apply to: Workers who have an unanticipated family care responsibility, including those who have childcare responsibilities due to school closures, or those who are forced to care for loved ones who become ill. Workers who are sick, quarantined, or immunocompromised and who do not have access to paid family and medical leave or are laid off and first responders in the public health community who become ill or are quarantined due to exposure to COVID-19. Governor Whitmer has said, “This executive order will provide immediate relief to those who can’t go to work, and who rely on their paycheck to put food on the table for themselves and their families.” The State is also seeking solutions for self-employed workers and independent contractors who traditionally do not have access to unemployment insurance. Access to benefits for unemployed workers will also be extended with benefits increasing from 20 to 26 weeks, the application eligibility period increasing from 14 to 28 days, and the normal in-person registration and work search requirements suspended. Eligible employees should apply for unemployment benefits online at Michigan.gov/UIA or 1-866-500-0017.
